In response to the letter from Mr. James Ansel, school board candidate, the co-presidents of the Manorhaven PTA would like to clarify the comment that "the Manorhaven HSA co-presidents were the only HSA leadership to refuse me the opportunity of speaking to their membership."

Manorhaven School supports a PTA, not an HSA, and with that distinction comes many differences. Our by-laws state that PTAs will "not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office." A violation of the by-laws would disqualify us from tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. We are able to sponsor public forums, which also follow specific guidelines. The calendar this year did not allow the time for a forum without being repetitive, due to the League of Women Voters' Candidates Forum. The Manorhaven PTA made every effort to inform parents about that evening.

Jo Beth Roberts, Melissa Ostrove

Co-presidents, Manorhaven PTA